New Budget Friendly Christmas Ideas

Can you believe how fast this year has gone! I surely can't, and with just a little over 4 months away from Christmas it's time to start planning, at least it it for me. Back when I lived in Maryland I found much joy in spreading the purchases of my Christmas presents out over a period of time and have since tried to continue implementing that practice into my life. Why? Because I hate feeling rushed and burdened with having to go to the mall when it's a mad house during November and December. Having worked in a mall during the Christmas season I've since tried to avoid it at all costs. Sometimes this practice hasn't worked, but mostly that's due to my lack of foresight with the impending holiday, but when it has it's made the month of December much more enjoyable for me. Plus, as an added bonus, when those last minute parties and gifts come up, because you know that they always do, buying that unexpected gift, or food to prepare, doesn't end up breaking the budget that you've so dutifully established for yourself.

Last year, unfortunately it was a bit late, I posted a blog with some ideas that I had come across online, click here to take a look. The reason I'm posting it again this early is because I was inspired when I started looking up other budget friendly ideas today. This one is probably the best, especially if you have children, or are a Sunday School teacher, or have some fun friends that you want to share memories with, or. . .well this present idea is just perfect for all people, small and big kids alike.

How about making your own coloring book from the photos that are stored on your computer and that are taking up more hard drive space than necessary (I'm guilty as charged). Seriously, it may take an afternoon or two, but what a great idea to share memories with others. So here's the how to . . .

Go to this website About.com and let the computer guru work you through the Photoshop magic.

Don't have Photoshop? No worries. Go to Paint.net and get their program for free. The titling of the categories is slightly different, but with just a few extra steps and a little perusal of the categories you can work the same magic from Photoshop, but without the hefty price tag.

It's also easy to make a story out of it, by simply adding some text to the page. This can turn out a bit light depending on how dark you've had your layer turn out, but it could still work if that's what you want.

You can bet that I'll be using this more when I have something to color for my Sunday school class. I hate having to sift through mediocre coloring pages that only halfway capture the concept of the story that I'm trying to teach.

I'm really such a big kid at heart and love to color. It's very relaxing and creative w/o being expensive. I'll be posting more as I find them and as we get closer to the date, I just had to share this one now, but hope that you all have a budget friendly, blessed, and Happy Christmas holiday set before you.

Free Music

There is such a want for good music that doesn't offend ones ear drums these days. When I say good, in reference to music what I really mean is music that glorifies God and edifies the spirit. Recently two free offers for such music have come my way. The end goal of these artists is to introduce their music to an audience, gain new listeners, without the pressure of purchasing one of them and then not liking it. Trust me though, you wont be
disappointed!

Portraits of Hope ~ This first one is by Greg Howlett that I received yesterday. His piano arrangements for these hymns is probably one of my favorites that I've ever had. Right now I'm stuck on "My Faith Looks Up to Thee". The violin accompaniment is just beautiful (I love string instruments). But his rendition of "Heaven Came Down" is wonderful as well. Very upbeat and joyful!

Hymns is the second offer, that I received today. It is by the Daybreak quartet, whom I have the pleasure of knowing personally. This album is dedicated to Pastor Gary Prisk who was taken home to glory just 3 years ago (it's hard to believe that it was that long ago). On it are some of his favorites. Here are the words of his son Nathan Prisk describing the album:

"I am excited about this CD. It is a tribute to Dr. Gary Prisk. Jason and I could not have asked for a better father and I have never come across a spiritual example whom I would want to emulate more. He started and pastored a church in Oak Harbor, Washington for 32 years before his Homegoing in 2006. He loved the Hymns for their message and timeless themes. It was a rare occasion when he would sing in public (our musical talent, if we have any, came from our mom), but I'm sure he's now singing all the time."

I'm sure that he's singing too Nathan! If you're not familiar with the music of the Daybreak Quartet, they are Southern Gospel, which may not be for everyone, but I enjoy them. The irony for me lies in the fact that I actually bought the CD when I first found out about it, before it was free. Oh well, it was worth it because today I received it in the mail and it was signed. I also get the pleasure of reading the liner notes and dedication to Pastor Prisk. It made me nostalgic for the comfort that his leadership and council brought to my life, as well as the friendship that I got to make with Meleah (but that I get to keep always).

My favorite song on the CD right now is "Constantly Abiding". The guys all break up into their appropriate parts and as the liner notes say it was Pastors favorite. However, what is also great about getting to read the cover is you get to find out who is playing the accompanyment on the CD. Wanna take a stab at guessing who plays the piano for Constantly Abiding? If you guessed Greg Howlett, then you win (but that's all you win).

I'm also linking their websites as well so that you can see the other music these artists offer...
The Daybreak Quartet
Gregg Howlwett

Anyway, I hope that you are all able to take advantage of these offers as they are only available for a limited time (Daybreak only lasts through July 24 and I'm not sure when Greg Howlett's offer ends). Ahhh, good music that soothes the aching eardrums.

Red Robin GF Menu

A few months ago I joined the Red Robin birthday club. How sad is that? It was an off day for me and I was thinking "at least Red Robin and Dairy Queen will remember to send me a coupon for my birthday". I'm such a loser sometimes:( Anyway, I'm over that hump, but today I decided to check it out and see what was GF in their establishment. They do have GF options! I am sad to report, however, that their Red Robin seasoning is not GF. They have a GF menu, that I'm posting on here so you can see what's on it, and how they recommend that someone living a GF lifestyle make their order. It's not perfect but it's something. The seasoning issue is very disappointing though:( I love their fries with lots of that salty goodness. Alas, this shall be no more.